We firmly believe that children who are removed from their birth parents for reasons of neglect and abuse require first hand experience in a healthy, loving family. With this in mind, in 1995, we began plans for a Foster Family Agency. Since that time hundreds of children have been placed with families that have been recruited and trained by Agape Villages.

Agape Villages Foster Family Agency places children in homes throughout the East Bay, Central Valley, and the greater Sacramento area. We accept referrals from the Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services and the County Mental Health Department. Agape Villages serves children and families regardless of race, religion or national origin.

Our goals include:

• Placing dependent children into a more normalized family living situation with certified foster parents from local communities.
• Strengthening the foster child’s relationship with his/her family to promote reunification. If this is not appropriate, or indicated by the child’s authorized representative, goals will be made toward finding long term foster care, adoption or emancipation.
• Developing and maintaining competent, healthy, committed and trained foster families in which the foster child is nurtured and directed.
• Increasing the stability of foster care placements.
• Operating from the principle that every member of our team plays a valuable role in the child’s life and healing.
• Advocating for and procuring the very best ancillary support services available to meet each child’s unique needs.

We distinguish ourselves with the following services:

• Monthly support groups designed to meet the needs of our foster families.
• 16 hours of training, prior to certification, to prospective foster families.
• Weekly in-home support by a master’s level social worker.
• On call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Welcome baskets to each child upon arrival to one of our homes including such things as clothing, toys, school supplies, books and a quilt.
• Substantial financial support for foster families.

Value

The value of offering children a home and a family cannot be measured. Investing in children is the most worthwhile investment people can make. In order to continue growing our foster family agency we need assistance. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, or use the information request form below. Click here to find out more about making a financial contribution.